The Mason’s – a hidden gem reborn
IN a narrow street in Southport town centre you will find the Mason’s Arms. This small pub consists of one main room with a small snug on the left as you enter and a roof terrace that can be opened when the weather permits. Wood panels and glass cabinets enhance its traditional character.
Since the current licensees, Victoria and David, took over the pub a couple of years ago, it has been redecorated and enhanced: it is rightly advertised as ‘Southport’s hidden gem’. Classic soul, blues and pop songs in the background complement the atmosphere.
For the real ale drinker, the choice has definitely improved; there are now five handpumps. As well as the Robinson’s beers, Bitter and Dizzy Blonde, Titanic Plum Porter is also a permanent feature on the bar with the remaining two handpumps serving changing guests which, when I called in, were Elgood’s cherry mild and Rosie’s Pig rhubarb cider. The beers I have tried on several visits have always been in good condition.
Occasionally they serve on handpump the legendary Robinson’s Old Tom which, with a strength of 8.5%, has to be treated with respect, but is well worth a try.
The craft and keg choices don’t go for the predictable: the lagers on offer are Helles Bavarian-style, Vletin’s Pilsener, and Bruh Kolsch-style, and two craft beer were Neck Oil Session IPA and on the changing guest font Seven Brothers Easy IPA.
They sell a wide choice of bottled craft beers and good ranges of gin, malt whisky and rum. If you’re peckish, they offer cheeseboards every day except on Saturdays.
During my last visit, there was a large, very lively group of young women clearly thoroughly enjoying their night out on the town: the pub suddenly seemed quiet after they happily left!
Dogs are welcome at the Masons. The pub is on Facebook (look for Masons Arms - Southports Hidden Gem), Instagram and there’s a website.
You can find the Masons at 4 Anchor Street (just off London Street), Southport, PR9 0UT. It is close to Southport railway station and all the main bus routes on Lord Street.
Add it to your itinerary on a night out and you won’t be disappointed!
The national CAMRA website is at: camra.org.uk. The Southport & West Lancs Branch website is at southport. camra.org.uk.